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Definition of defiance

defiance

/dɪˈfaɪ.əns/
de · fi · ance
Adverb:defiantly
•
Plural:defiances
•
Adjective:defiant
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defiance Lexical Profile

defiance Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Open, bold resistance or refusal to obey authority, rules, or an opposing force.

Example

"The workers continued their strike in open defiance of the court order."

2

A challenge to meet in combat or a contest; an invitation to an adversary to do their worst.

Example

"The champion shouted a fierce defiance across the field to his rivals."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for defiance

• Nearby Words

deferral
deferred
deffo
defiance
defiant
defiantly
defibrillator

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 14th century from Old French 'defiance', originally denoting the formal renunciation of a feudal oath of allegiance or faith, from 'defier' (to renounce faith or challenge), ultimately from Vulgar Latin '*disfidare' (to renounce one's faith), combining 'dis-' (away) and 'fidus' (faithful).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Defiance. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/defiance
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